Among individuals experiencing significant debt stress, 27 percent suffered from ulcers or digestive problems, compared to just 8 percent in low-stress groups.
Public health experts have identified criminal justice debt as a social and environmental factor impacting individuals’ and their families’ physical and mental health. Low-income individuals who are disproportionately represented in the justice system often experience poorer health outcomes even before accounting for court-related debt. This report sheds light on how court debt exacerbates poverty, leading to adverse health effects. Notably, court debt has emerged as a pressing public health concern, contributing to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and physical illness among affected individuals. The report also calls for future research to illuminate the link between court debt and its direct impact on health and social outcomes. The authors emphasize the need for public health professionals to comprehensively understand how court debt intersects with the well-being of justice-involved individuals.
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